Galatasaray had their moments, and created some decent chances – but Real’s creative players were given too much time on the ball.

Galatasaray attack

Real’s key strength is their counter-attacking ability, which means the vast majority of visiting sides at the Santiago Bernabeu prefer to sit back, soak up pressure, and hope that their centre-backs are able to deal with Real’s centre-forward.

Most obviously, both ’shuttlers’ – Selcuk Inan and Hamit Altintop – were given license to roam, leaving Felipe Melo minding the defence. In the early moments, it was amazing to see Emmanuel Eboue move forward from right-back, then look up and find five forward options waiting in the centre for the cross. Galatasaray essentially progressed to this stage because Schalke struggled to cope with their diamond, and it was unusual to see a side with such dominance in the centre of the pitch.

There were three ways Galatasaray’s four central midfielders worked nicely.

First, it helped Galatasaray get out of Real’s early press. Cristiano Ronaldo, Mesut Ozil, Karim Benzema and Angel Di Maria moved forward to pressure the Galatasaray back four, but with a 4 v 2 situation in the centre of midfield, there was always a simple forward pass for the Galatasaray centre-backs.

Second, throughout the game, the midfield dominance allowed the away side to compete in terms of possession (it was 50-50), and while the strategy was a little suicidal, it was refreshing to see an away side having a go against such illustrious opponents.

Third, the fact Inan, Altintop and sometimes even Melo moved forward to play around Alonso and Sami Khedira (with the centre-backs dealing with two Real forwards, and therefore unable to move up the pitch) meant Galatasaray had a few good attempts from long-range, having worked the 4 v 2 situation nicely.

Real space

However, Galatasaray failed to stop Real’s main attacking threats. There were, broadly, four problems.

First, Xabi Alonso wasn’t pressured when he received possession. With Galatasaray pushing men forward and Real playing on the break, Alonso’s passes were unusually direct – almost always straight passes into attack, rather than his customary diagonals, as Sami Khedira played a calmer role alongside. Considering Manchester United pressed Alonso to such great effect in the previous round, through the use of Danny Welbeck, it was surprising Galatasaray didn’t give special attention to Alonso.

Second, the use of only one holding midfielder, Melo, allowed Ozil to drift either side of him into pockets of space, and he link played and keep passing moves flowing in wide areas. Galatasaray almost always attempted tackles close to the touchlines.

Third, Eboue’s attacking instincts allowed Ronaldo space to break into. There were a few promising moments when the Ivorian right-back got forward – a one-two to get into a shooting position towards the end of the first half in particular – and Terim did instruct him to sit deeper midway through the first half, but Ronaldo still capitalised on the space, and had numerous shots on goal.

Fourth, even without Ozil’s movement, Galatasaray were exposed on the flanks. Real concentrated all their attacking down the touchlines, sometimes simply with their two wingers, and sometimes by getting the full-backs forward – Essien’s crossing had threatened even before he provided an assist for Benzema with a good deep cross.

Without the ball, Galatasaray moved their forwards into wider positions, effectively becoming 4-3-3 when out of possession for long periods, but their slow transitions to that defensive formation weren’t able to prevent Real breaking at speed.

Conclusion

Galatasaray’s four central midfielders caused Real some difficulties, but the away side were extremely open and vulnerable to Real’s counter-attacks. The home side’s strength down the flanks caused problems, and the fact their two major creators, Alonso and Ozil, enjoyed such freedom from the outset was ominous. This tie is probably over.

16 Responses to “ Real Madrid 3-0 Galatasaray: a comfortable win ”

As you say it was quite refreshing to see the way Gala played, but the way they played was also foolish. You say it’s refreshing to see a team play the way Gala did, but that’s because for quite some time now it’s been so common for inferior teams to go up against superior teams by playing very defensively, and packing the area very close to the six yard box with players. That way has been proven successful. Gala going out and trying to play as if there on terms with Madrid was never going to work, as the scoreline now shows.

Eboue at right back going forward is absolutely suicidal against Ronaldo. You may have tactical views and ways of playing, but surely you’d consider making an adjustment when you’re going up against one of the best players in the world. The damage had already been done by the time Eboue became more conservative.

Madrid are looking good now though, best counter attacking side in the world without any doubt as well. Varane is so good for a 19 year old it’s scary, and him and Ramos are such a good partnership together. I think Alonso has actually taken his game to a different level. He’s been a top, top player for years, but pre Euro 2012 there was doubts on him, he was immense at the Euro’s and he’s been immense for Madrid this season, the range of passing is just unbelievable and he is great for a counter attacking side. Then of course you have the front three, Di Maria has been fantastic in this year’s CL, Ronaldo doesn’t need explaining, and I personally prefer Benzema to Higuian. Think he links the play better, better with the quick one touch play out wide to Ronaldo or Di Maria.

Bayern are getting hyped quite a bit, and there is of course Barcelona, but I actually think Madrid are the team to beat this year.

Victor Garcia on April 5, 2013 at 12:00 am

It was an interesting match. First, a 4-4-2 diamond vs a 4-2-3-1. A wide formation vs a narrow one. I think Galatasaray should have played with not only a narrow diamond (like they did) but with a disciplined approach.
Secondly, with no space for Madrid to take over in the center of Midfield, that means that Madrid would force the wide play. However, if Galatasaray would strictly close the middle it means Madrid would push more players forward. Leaving spaces behind and that is when Galatasaray should have taken advantage of those counters.

Lots of ways Galatasaray could have approached the game. It shouldn’t have been a 3-0 win for Madrid.

Athique on April 5, 2013 at 1:10 am

Galatasarys game plan fed into Real Madrid’s hands. I know you say Gala had a man advantage in the middle of the park because of the diamond but who also do against Real? Barcelona with Messi as the 4th midfielder. Anyway what I’m saying is Real set up yesterday as if they were playing Barcelona and surprise surprise they won comfortably as they do against Barceliba nowadays. As for the game I thought Özil was good as was Di Maria but my man of the match was Xabi Alonso. Also was good to see Benzema and Higuian contributing instead of relying on Ronaldo. Also thus Varane-Ramos partnership is getting on fantastic they seem to be more calm and less error prone.

Kevan on April 5, 2013 at 6:48 am

Foolish way to play Real — Mourinho’s strategy this year has to be less compact and to keep his front three as high up the pitch as possible and even if that creates a gap between midfield and attack, when Real win it, it’s generally three v three as it was for the first goal. Gala should’ve kept their full back shome and used their front three to press Real’s back four while their midfielders marked out Alonso and Khedira. Ozil never drops back to help out, and that probably would’ve made the game more competitive.

Tie is over, and now it’ll be interesting to see who Real get next…

James on April 5, 2013 at 8:18 am

Galatasaray were never going to be capable of beating madrid. the players are to old and they aren’t set up in the right way to beat real. Man U had the perfect set up to beat real but the controversial refereeing decision cost them. As for teams left in the competition i feel dortmund and bayern are the most capable of beating them. Neither one will allow alonso time on the ball and both have significantly superior attacking players to gala. People say Bayern have been hyped but they are a better side than madrid. Madrid were better last year and bayern were worse than they are now last year and they still knocked them out.

Rajesh on April 5, 2013 at 9:52 am

Galatasaray pass the ball so beautifully.
But what a foolish tactic to go out all attack, with such poor defenders and allow all the space for the Real attack, who thrives ONLY when they have that kind of space.
It was like a suicidal attack. Add to it players like Sneidger and Drogba was half hearted, taking the shine of their attack, even before it was near any benefit.

Whatever, it has to be said that like the barca psg match, the referee influenced the match very poorly.

K. on April 5, 2013 at 11:40 am

Terim should not be considered brave, but foolish. Deploying a diamond formation against the great Real madrid was suicidal to say the least and extremely condescending towards Jose Mourinho..

Terim thought Gala was on par with Real, but it was obvious he didn’t analize how BVB and Manu nullified Real with more defensive strategies.

I guess he learnt the hard way.

a Cimbom fan.

Sammy on April 5, 2013 at 1:53 pm

I agree that Real Madrid are the team to beat this year –
To start let me point out the teams they have faced up until now:

- Manchester City – Last year’s EPL winners and currently 2nd in the Premier League.
- Borussia Dortmund – Last year’s Bundesliga winners and currently on pace for 2nd place.
- Ajax – Last year’s winners in the Eredivisie and currently 1st in their season.
- Manchester United – Last year’s running up in the EPL and currently 1st in the EPL.
- Galatasaray – Last year’s winners in the Süper Lig and currently first in this season.

Providing they will go through, they will face either Juventus (last year Seris A’s winners and 1st currently) or Bayern (2nd last year and most likely winners this year) or Borussia Dortmund (as mentioned from above) or Barcelona (2nd last year and 1st in La Liga this year) or PSG (last year’s running up in La Ligue 1 and currently 1st) leaving only Malaga as possibly the weakest but most surprising team remaining in the competition.

If anyone can say that any other team had a tougher schedule in the Champions league than RM, please do tell… If one team deserves winning one way or another is truly Real Madrid. Although they haven’t been perfect in this year’s competition, Mourinho has done a tremendous job with the team leading to a possible 3rd consecutive semi-final appearance in Europe’s most prestigious club competition.

To truly put the cherry on top of the cake, I would personally would want that win to be against Barcelona in the Final -

For those conspiracy believers, you can try to wonder if they have changed the order of the draw on such coincidence that semi finalist are not announced until the quarter finals are over. This could potentially lead to a first Champions league Final in the form of a El Clásico. From a marketing perspective Ronaldo vs Messi, Nike vs Adidas, Madrid vs Barcelona – $$$$ –
Enough said.

Or it could end up in both teams being eliminated earlier than expected. I’ll leave it for your imagination and thoughts to draw possible scenarios for the Road to Wimbley!

Scott on April 5, 2013 at 4:11 pm

… insert same opponents for Borussia Dortmund and then the trump card.. {drum roll}…. Dortmund won the group, not Madrid. Please come again.

Sammy on April 5, 2013 at 5:19 pm

Well Borussia had to dispatch Shakhtar Donetsk and currently Malaga… I would have liked to see them play United and see if they would have made it…

Scott on April 5, 2013 at 5:35 pm

Doesn’t really matter, you play who is put in front of you. Head-to-head, Dortmund came out on top of Real Madrid.

This isn’t me bashing Real Madrid. They are a quality, quality side. My point is you can’t play the “what if they had played _______ ” game to determine who is better. You play whoever you’re scheduled against. Real Madrid were up against Man United because RM failed to win their group. If Dortmund were runners-up, they face United.

They were both scheduled against the same exact sides in the group stage, having been in the same group. Dortmund came out 1st. That is fact and undisputed. How Dortmund would’ve done against United doesn’t really matter or factor. Simply take care of business.

Sammy on April 5, 2013 at 5:43 pm

That is true, Dortmund came out on top and well deserved of course. I believe the only to now determine who can progress is if the two teams play again in the latter stage of the competition.

At the end of the day, and I’m not trying to defend Madrid nor am I trying to justify myself for anything, what truly matters who wins the competition.

We will have to wait and see. The only team that can truly put an end to RM’s competition is Bayern.

PK on April 8, 2013 at 9:02 am

- Man City have been very poor this year and they generally seem to struggle in Europe. No big deal beating them this year (watch how ManU dispatches of them tonight).
- Borussia got the upper hand against Real and convincingly so.
- Ajax is barely a Europa League side, not CL quality.
- ManU was on course to progress against Real and completely nullified them in the 2nd leg until the referee decided to become man of the match.
- Galatasaray – lucikly progressed from their group (e.g. facing reserves of ManU who was guaranteed first place anyway), got to play very weak Schalke.

What I am trying to say is that you can always put things in different perspective. I am not saying Real are weak and undeserving to be in the semis but in my opinion their path has not been as rocky and they didn’t really prove that they are the team to beat when they faced quality opposition.

Sage on April 9, 2013 at 3:52 am

Not really a tactical point, but I wonder if the Gala that got through the groups (aka without Sneijder or Drogba) could have done better. These two signings got a lot of hype, but they were only signed over the winter and never really looked like they gelled with the team yet (Sneijder especially).

Yilmaz may have had a bad game but he was still the most impressive Gala player to me.

Sage on April 9, 2013 at 3:52 am

Not really a tactical point, but I wonder if the Gala that got through the groups (aka without Sneijder or Drogba) could have done better. These two signings got a lot of hype, but they were only signed over the winter and never really looked like they gelled with the team yet (Sneijder especially).

Yilmaz may have had a bad game but he was still the most impressive Gala player to me.